Local Awareness Raising Actions
Cultural Heritage and Diversity
Project descriptions
Divided according to region and presented in alphabetical order by country. Please click on the name of the organization if you wish to be redirected to their website for further information.
Africa
Action de Développement Communautaire Dilua Dibua (ADCDD)
Republic Democracy of Congo
ADCDD is a non-governmental organization that deals with formal, non-formal education, environment and human rights.
Project – Festival Culturel De Tshangu
The Tshangu Cultural Festival is an opportunity for the Congolese people to promote cultural diversity and popularize traditions and customs; Promoting cultural exchanges for better understanding and mutual respect, facilitating mutual expressive understanding of ethnic diversity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Project start: 24/07/2017 Project end: 29/07/2017
Center for International Voluntary Service (CIVS) 
Kenya
CIVS is a community development agency operating especially in the marginalised and poverty-stricken rural areas of Kenya. We pursue an integrated socio-economic and cultural development approach in the fight against poverty and social exclusion of Kenyan communities under the maxim “development by people”. CIVS supports guides and mentors efforts with innovative and customized high quality services.
CIVS Community Development Program focuses on the areas of Food Security, Water & Sanitation, Vulnerable Children & HIV/AIDS, Good Governance and Emergency Relief and thus improves the lives of the most vulnerable community members.
Project – Re-introduction of Indigenous vegetables foods
CIVS Kenya intends to implement a Community Development Project in Western Kenya in order to improve household nutrition and income on the basis of traditional, indigenous vegetables and crops which are adapted to the local conditions. The reason for this being that the food base for the rural population has become narrower, leaving communities more vulnerable to food shortages and nutrient-deficiency diseases. Additionally there has been a significant rise of life style diseases across the country due to the adaptation of what is considered a more modern or westernized lifestyle. Many people have neglected the rich and diverse agricultural heritage of Kenya and forgotten about the benefits traditional foods.
The workcamp will be implemented at the Ahero Resource Center in Western Kenya for 3 weeks each. The Workcamp will comprise of both, international and national volunteers. During their time in the camp volunteers will participate in different activities such as farming of indigenous crops and vegetables, preparing healthy meals with the locally use material, foods or learn more about the heritage of Western Kenyan cuisine and life during several inter active session and home visits. We will organize a cultural day for each Workcamp whereby community members prepare traditional meals with the volunteers and in return receive seeds for planting indigenous vegetables and crops and their farms in order to increase the coverage of farmland with them.
Project start: 5/11/2017 Project end: 24/11/2017
Kenya Voluntary Development Association (KVDA) 
Kenya
KVDA has since 2009 been among organizations under the auspices of CCIVS that have since inception of the program implemented it in partnership with volunteers drawn from different countries and the local people. KVDA has consistently over the years organized World Heritage Volunteers service program at this project that has profoundly made a big difference in the lives of the needy in society that are confronted with myriad challenges and foremost the restoration of the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests.
Project – Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
This project is a joint effort involving Kenya Voluntary Development Association (KVDA), Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS), UNESCO World Heritage Program, Shimba Hills Forest Guides Association (SHIFOGA) and Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forest. Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests is a UNESCO listed world heritage site in Kenya.First of all, it aims at sparking interest about the importance and necessity to protect and promote cultural and natural heritage in general and World Heritage related sites in particular.
The target group must be as wide as possible and include motivated volunteers, hosting local communities and concerned authorities. Then, the WHV projects are expected to develop appreciation of the WH values through non formal education methods disseminating the inter-governmental and national expertise to a large public and more specifically young people.
Lastly, work camps run by international voluntary service organizations and whose activities are based on the concrete needs of the site are the type of project chosen to bring local and international communities together around the issue of WH in connection with the issue of sustainable development. Such process not only aims at the participation of the most relevant projects but also a better coordination of the selected projects.
Project start: 08/10/2017 Project end: 29/10/2017
Global Voluntary Development Association (GVDA)
Kenya
GVDA is an organization offering high quality programs to partners and participants with 120 partners worldwide, Offering cultural exchange programs which combines summer camps, group, home stay, cross-cultural learning, ecotourism, community tourism, internship, mid and long term international volunteer positions, work and travel and volunteer programs. GVDA aims to promote and organize voluntary service activities in co-operation with local communities as well as other local, national and international organizations as a means of fostering greater confidence between people of different social cultural, political or religious background.
Project – Maasai Mara
The Maasai tribe (or Masai) is a unique and popular tribe due to their long preserved culture. Today, the Maasai people live on a smaller piece of land in the Kajiado and Narok districts, surrounded by these now Kenya’s fine game reserves. The project aims to bring local and international communities to help conserve, protect and rehabilitate the site through youth action camps and cross borders exchanges, in order to envision a sustainable natural environment in which humans live in harmony with nature. The project aspires to promote awareness both locally and internationally among young people on the importance of Masaai Mara, to empower community teamwork and cooperation, to improve water sanitation and to prepare young people and teachers to meet present and future challenges as well as promoting education for culture and peace and international understanding.
Project start: 04/07/2017 Project end: 26/07/2017
Associacao dos Jovens Voluntarios (AJOV)
Mozambique
AJOV in this year more than 50 international volunteers will land in the soil of Mozambique to participate in more than 10 projects in the form of volunteer work camp, taking place in the provincial Nampula, Cabo Delgado, Inhambane, Gaza and Maputo.
Project – One Garden different Colours
Runs from 4 to 18 September 2017, in the district of Boane, province of Maputo, the field of international volunteering, with the participation of volunteers from region of Africa and not only. We invite to young people with more than 18 years to register for their participation.
Regarding the aims and objectives of this great project we can briefly describes it on the following modes: Our project attain to view CULTURE as a potential tool for the Construction of a global Community where somebody is accepted regarding s/he’s beliefs, Language, Race and so forth. Knowing that we are more than what others may think we are or even, not what they believe and say that we are therefore, “if you gave me a chance, you would know who I really am”
Project start: 04/09/2017 Project end: 18/09/2017
International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) 
Nigeria
ICYE is a legally registered NGO which started operations in 1982 as an independent establishment within a Christian organization in Lagos, Nigeria. ICYE Nigeria consists of a National Committee office with Staff and Co-workers. ICYE aspires towards the development of the leadership of young people through living and working abroad between six months to one year. The exposure and experience of these young people as volunteers in a different environment and culture is of great benefit to them. These benefits include meeting new people, learning new language and culture, developing skills based on working environment.
Project – The fading tradition of ‘Adire’ fabric in Yorubaland
The tradition of indigo dyeing goes back centuries in West Africa. The craft of dyeing clothes has been passed from one generation to the other in decades among the Yoruba people in the southern-western Nigeria and it is practiced with utmost pride and precision. As widespread as indigo dyeing was all over Yorubaland, a few centres have been identified as the major centers of indigo-dyeing in Yorubaland. Oshogbo in Southwestern Nigeria was renowned for the Yoruba, patterned, indigo – dyed cloth; Adire. This art tradition however suffered a lull in the twilight of Nigerian Colonialism in the 1950s, due to lack of willing young apprentices to learn this generational art. Another challenge was the flooding of Nigerian markets with cheaper, imported textiles, which were not taxed, while the locally produced ones were. Hand in hand with these twin problems is the mindset of many educated Nigerians, who then saw the Adire merely as rural cloth for poor, illiterate, rural dwellers.
The Action is to launch a cultural revival of Adire by highlighting cultural centres where young people can master the art of Adire making, encourage the incursion of men into the Adire Art which used to be a generational female art, collaborate with Nigerian fashion designers on how to include Adire in their collection and point out how the fabric can influence their designs.
Project start: 23/09/2017 Project end: 30/09/2017
Voluntary Work camp Association of Nigeria (VWAN) 
Nigeria
VWAN was founded in 1963 principally to reach out to rural community and employ all resources at her disposal to elevate the standard of rural community. It is observed that rural areas are suffering from neglect and in most cases lack of good support. Various efforts of the government at meeting these basic essentials have not been sufficient hence the need for the organization to arrange young people to work together with the community to realize these basic necessities of life. Some of the rural areas lack some of these infrastructures and facilities.
Project – Construction Chairs Around Old Primary School & Community Campaigns on Idanre Hill
Engaging young people and local community in learning about World Heritage and stressing the importance of protecting Idanre hill through practical collective action. The aim of the project is the Provision of Sofa Chairs Around the Old Primary School to give rest to Guests & Visitors that visit the site and to run a Community Campaign to create more awareness for the people. Specifically, the action camp will focus on;
– Engaging volunteers in the conservation of Idanre hill; construct concrete chairs and waste separation bins on the site
– Facilitate learning about World Heritage; the outstanding cultural value history bequeathed at Idanre Hill
– Raise awareness to young people and local community about the importance of promoting and protecting World Heritage
– Foster exchange and application of transversal practical skills in the protection of Heritage
Project start: 16/09/2017 Project end: 30/09/2017
Association Togolaise des Volontaires Au Travail (Astovot) 
Togo
Astovot is one of the oldest voluntary associations in Africa. Since its creation in 1964, it has remained active in intercultural exchanges and community development. Its main missions are: Promote intercultural exchanges in order to facilitate mutual understanding and promote peace. To safeguard the ecological, socio-cultural, health and educational environment in order to improve the human condition.Mobilize and sensitize youth from all walks of life to become the actors of change at local and global level. Astovot has more than 100 active members and volunteers in its locals. It organises activities with local and international partners (in Africa, Asia, America and Europe).
Project – Festival Culturel D’Education Populaire Kekeli
“KEKELI” means in ewe “LIGHT”. Its general objective is to promote the development of the prefecture of Kloto by enhancing its cultural and social heritage through lively and convivial performances with intra- and intercultural exchanges. More specifically, it aspires to create a cultural space that allows traditional musicians and artists to perform and demonstrate respect for diversity, allowing the Kpalimé population and holidaymakers to discover older and more recent artistic forms, unknown. Also to provide visibility to young artists and artisans and use the educational dimension of folklore and artistic expression to raise awareness of citizenship. Another objective is to strengthen the professional capacities and skills of the actors involved in the organization of the festival.
Project start: 17/07/2017 Project end: 30/07/2017
Uganda Voluntary Development Association (UVDA)
Uganda
UVDA- is a non-profit organization registered in Uganda charity No.2058, whose mission is to raise awareness about the necessity to protect, preserve and promote cultural and natural heritage in the country.
Project – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in south-western Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Park covers 32,000 ha and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla.
The project aims to mobilise youth, schools and local people in order to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and become involved in climate change issues. The project also focuses on the preservation of its flora and fauna.
The volunteers will be involved in natural preservation activities such as planting indigneous trees. Activities will also include awareness raising by creating a documentary film, which will provide more visibility to the site. There will also be an opportunity to interact with the local community via workshops, festival, galas, debates and gatherings.
Project start: 07/07/2017 Project end: 28/07/2017
Asia
Good Word Society (GWS)
Bahrain
GWS aims to encourage volunteers for getting involved into our society and to promote international awareness development and international voluntary movement. Moreover, we want our volunteers to take part in these programs, through it, our volunteers are able to bind a local with a global awareness. Working along with International volunteers from all over the world, will develop language skills and team work skills, which are nowadays very important for our society to build networks and relationships.
Project – Bahrain Fort
The project aims to achieve the young volunteers for the following purposes:
– Definition of the importance of Bahrain Fort as one of the most important historical places in the region and which are universal.
-Spread the awareness regarding the word Heritage preservation in general and Bahrain Fort as one of the most important historical place in middle east
– A campaign maintenance and upkeep of the site with the help of specialists in order to expand the cultural use of the site.
-Educate the local population of the importance of the protection of historical heritage in general and Bahrain Fort particular.
– Encourage tourist visits program with youth participants from around the world
The programme contributes to bringing the people more to the nature by knowing some of the hidden life of the different species of birds. The goal of the program is to make the people acquainted with the importance of the nature and birds through demonstrating live examples aiming at acquiring their support and advocacy for the nature conservation processes against the threats and the pressures that the nature and the birds are facing.
Project start: 17/11/2017 Project end: 27/11/2017
DreamWalker China (DWC) 
China
DWC is a social purpose organization that believes everyone can make positive contribution and change to their own personal development, as well as to global development, through international voluntary service and sustainable change making actions. DWC collaborates with and supports both local and overseas communities, social enterprises, and innovative charities to not only foster a world of change makers, but also plant the seed for a united and peaceful world.
Project – Tulou – World Heritage Preservation
Tulous (土楼) are unique Chinese rural dwellings built between the 12th and 20th centuries by the mountainous Hakka people living in Fujian. In China, the Chinese traditional concept called “Feng-Shui” focuses on the relationship between human being and nature. Therefore, the Tulous were built with great consideration of the harmony with and respect for their surrounding nature in a very sustainable and energy efficient way, using local materials. They are interdependent with the mountains and rivers and form an ecological connection with nature over time. However, with globalization and the expansion of cities today, the environment is sometime ignored and new structures are being built around the Tulous.
The project aims to preserve, protect, and promote Tulou (background, history, culture, architect), enhance international exchange and promote sustainable tourism and development of the Tulou, Inspire future changemakers who are impactful towards world heritage preservation and sustainable tourism and/or building structures.
Project start: 19/08/2017 Project end: 27/08/2017
Rural Centre for Human Interests (Ruchi) 
India
RUCHI is a non-political, non-profit organisation committed to the development of rural India. RUCHI began in October 1980 in a remote village in Chopal in the Shimla District. It was registered under The Societies Registration Act of 1860 in 1983, and its headquarters are now located at Bandh, a small village in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh State, Northern India. RUCHI is now working in over 100 villages in the steep mountainous terrain of the Sirmour and Solan districts. RUCHI is partnered with international non-government organisations (NGO’s), such as RNZWCS in New Zealand, Rotary International, Charities Aid Foundation, HelpAge International, U.K., MISEREOR in Germany and CCIVS in France.
Project – Mountain people: Food, body and language
Our activity will take place in culturally rich and mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh in north India also known as Dev Bhoomi (Land of God). Our action will focus on preserving and promoting age old traditions and practices of mountain people which has given them a identity over time but now are under threat due to western influences and globalization. In particular our action will aim to restore local cultural heritage by promoting local food typical to the area, cooking techniques used, way people dress, traditions and practices still followed in villages to national and international people. With this project we aim to develop a model for sustainable cultural rural ecotourism.
This project is directly related to cultural heritage. In our ever growing quest to be a global citizen we are losing our cultural identity and heritage. In villages people are still hanging on to their traditional values and with this project we aim to promote local cultural heritage to our volunteers and national youth to make them feel proud of their rich heritage. Even though, India has diverse cultures and respect them all, most of them are rooted in common age old traditions which were followed by all and not only in India but most of the South Asian countries.
Project start: 25/09/2017 Project end: 07/10/2017
Neverending International workCamps Exchange (NICE) 
Japan
NICE is a nongovernmental organization and non-profit organization that organises voluntary workcamps in Japan and East Asia. The organization acts as vice-president of the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) at UNESCO and as general secretary of the Network for Voluntary Development in Asia (NVDA). NICE was founded on the 4th of February 1990 by seven youths who had participated in volunteer workcamps abroad. In September 1990, the first international work camp was held in Japan at the foot of the Mt. Fuji. NICE has been growing rapidly as we rise to the challenge of meeting the ever-increasing needs from communities for targeted projects and motivated volunteers.
Project – Misato Workcamp
Misato is located near Iwami-Ginzan, silver mine and a world heritage in Japan, and people there still treasure their traditional culture. However, while Shimane has a long history and beautiful landscape, many local town is depressed due to birthrate declination and increase in proportion of elderly people. Therefore, Misato town office is now promoting new events and cross-cultural exchange to stimulate and enhance the people by international work camp. In Misato, there is a big cultural festival called “bamboo lantern and traditional arts festival” which is one of the biggest festivals in Shimane prefecture. In this festival, many different kinds of culture aspects are included.
This workcamp has been organized with the local group, “an executive committee of Light and Tradition festival” since 2011. Recently, aging and depopulation of the area is getting very serious as well as many other rural villages in Japan. They expect the workcamp to activate local traditional festivals related to Shintonism, which is Japanese traditional religion. This event is combined with 2 events called “Bamboo Lantern Festival” and “Gaku-uchi” which locals play Japanese drums and flute with walking around the village to wish for the productiveness of grain . Local people want us to know their traditional cultures to be succeeded to the next generation.
Project start: 11/10/2017/ Project end: 24/10/2017
Youth for Sustainable Development Assembly (YSDA)
Philippines
YSDA is a national youth organization in the Philippines that promotes youth participation for sustainable development and environment. YSDA aims to mainstream youth participation in all levels of decision-making concerning sustainable development and environment by harnessing the spirit of volunteerism and youth leadership.
Project – Trail Construction and Heritage Advocacy Conservation
The Trail Construction and Heritage Conservation Advocacy will focus on Natural Heritage Conservation of “Calinawan Cave”. The Calinawan, Pamitinan, and Mystical Caves, plus other unnamed caves, are among the cave systems in Rizal Province that have a significant contribution in the Philippine history. They were once used as the stronghold of the Filipinos in the revolutions against Spanish, American, and Japanese colonizers. These caves are composed of numerous chambers and winding passages at various levels. They are ornamented with icicle-like crystalline carbonate formations (stalactites) in the ceiling and calcium deposit formations (stalagmite) on the ground, which in nature are formed by the dripping of water through the overlaying limestone from the ceiling or roof of the cave. These formations sometimes resemble human and animal figures.
The Calinawan Cave is now surrounded by families with approximately 200 households. There is a school located near the cave called “Rawang Elementary School” with 200 students per year. IGEEI is working closely with the school in providing Rain Water Harvest Facility to provide potable water for children. There are some facilities needed for children that requires some assistance such as making proper trail for them to reach the school.
International Workcamp participants will work together to design a trail using local materials available. This will provide space for everyone to explore creative solutions to the current problem in the area.
International Workcampers will implement several activities each day in a rotating basis. This will allow all workcampers to experience facilitating the activities directly and building their confidence in public speaking and dealing with children. Each day, international and local workcampers will discuss strategies and activities each day as well as evaluating each day.
Project start: 17/08/2017 Project end: 30/08/2018
International Workcamp Organisation (IWO)
South Korea
IWO is a non-profit and non-governmental organization established in 1999 to promote world peace, global citizenship, youth and community development and cultural exchange through international voluntary service. We are an Executive committee member of CCIVS (Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service) at UNESCO, Paris, a member of NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia) and a member of Alliance (Alliance of European voluntary service organisations). IWO‘s International Voluntary Service Projects offer young people the opportunity to participate in community-based projects in over 70 countries worldwide. The projects differ enormously ranging from nature conservation, restoration, education and construction to projects that are more socially based including work with adults and children with special needs, teaching or organizing youth/children’s holiday schemes.
Project – Youth Laugh Loudly
Yeongwol, Gangwon province, is a region of culture and fidelity with beautiful natural resources and cultural remains. It was once one of the major coal producers in Korea and some coal mines are still active. However, because of the long distance from Seoul and lack of convenient facilities, tourists only visit Yeongwol for a short time for leisure purpose. Thus the children living in Yeongwol have few opportunities to meet people outside of Yeongwol and especially foreigners.
Therefore, this project has its purpose to provide: International exposure opportunity for kids ages between 7~15 years through interaction with international volunteers as well as learning diversity through camp life with international volunteers. Promote team spirit and enhance sociability is also one of the objectives. Yeongwol is rich for its various cultural heritages both at National and Provincial level. During the camp, we plan to make study trips to the heritage sites, organise campaigns to raise the awareness of children and locals and have an international food day with villagers for international exposure.
Project start: 02/08/2017 Project end: 13/08/2017
Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) 
Nepal
VIN is a nonprofit charitable volunteer organization based in Nepal. It was founded in 2005 and is also a member of international volunteer networks worldwide like CCIVS, NVDA, EU Volunteer ALLIANCE, FoVIN-NL, US, and Australia. VIN ’s mission is to empower marginalized communities through enhanced Education, Health, Income generation & Basic infrastructure programs with special focus on women and children by conducting training and research through mobilizing local and international volunteers to promote equality, economic well-being and basic human rights.
Project – Vajrayogani Conservation Project 2017
A typical Newar settlement of Kathmandu valley, Sankhu is located around 30 km away from Kathmandu city. The devastating earthquake of 25th April and 12th May 2015 has caused huge damage in the settlement and caused uncoverable loss of people and heritage. Sankhu/Vajrayogani has been inscribed in the tentative list of UNESCO world heritage sites, both for the richness of its traditional Newar and Rana style houses and its urban planning which is organized along two main axes, the way to the Bajrayogini temple area and the ancestral trade route to Tibet.
This project aims to promote and protect Vajrayogini and Sankhu area. The specific objectives are: to educate and raise the awareness among the people about the importance of Sankhu and temple area and to clean the area and educate people not to throw the garbage everywhere. Another objective is to help with renovation and reconstruction in the area.
Project start: 05/11/2017 Project end: 17/11/2017
Volunteers for Peace Vietnam (VPV) 
Vietnam
VPV is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in 2005 to provide help and education to people in both urban and rural Vietnam. Through our offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, our 20 staff members coordinate volunteer placements in North and South Vietnam. Our mission is to promote voluntary work, to attract international and local volunteers, and with their help foster cultural and educational exchange, friendship and peace. VPV‘s mission is to provide care and education, and to address youth and community development needs through voluntary work. We achieve this by collaborating with various international and local partners in order to promote international and local volunteer work, foster cultural and educational exchange, as well as friendship and peace.
Project – International Summer Camp about Tay – Nung culture
Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-stilts Village is preserving 30 old stilt houses with typical architectural features of ethnic minorities all over Vietnam. Besides, the village is also renowned for the cultural space of Tay and Nung ethnic minorities. To contribute to the preservation work of Tay and Nung cultures and raise awareness of young people about cultural diversity and cultural identity in the process of promoting industrialization, modernization and international integration, Volunteers for Peace Vietnam cooperates with Thai Hai Village to establish workcamp INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMP ABOUT TAY – NUNG CULTURE CAMP. During the
camp, volunteers will live with Tay and Nung ethnic people and experience their daily activities. Also, living in a green space will be a chance to raise awareness of sustainable lifestyles and discuss about how to live “greener” for volunteers.
This is the very first time that Volunteers for Peace Vietnam has held a heritage workcamp on water puppetry. Within the framework of Partnerships Actions and Tools for Heritages (P.A.T.H) project, the workcamp aspires to promote the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, to strengthen international exchange as well as inspire the youth who are the key factors in heritage preservation and promotion.
Project start: 27/07/2017 Project end: 30/07/2017
Hong Kong
VolTra was founded in 2009 as a registered charitable organisation, VolTra has been dedicated to promote international voluntary services in Hong Kong. We strive to accomplish our mission to promote world peace and global citizenship by serving as a platform to connect international and local volunteers.
Project – “Saving Our Homes” in Ping Che
The project is co-organized by VolTra and Ta Kwu Ling/Ping Che Alliance for “Saving Our Home”. The aims of Ta Kwu Ling/Ping Che Alliance for “Saving Our Home” are to protect villagers’ homes and culture and to conserve the environment. Currently, the government and the villages are in discussion regarding the North East New Territories New Development Areas Planning. Therefore you may no longer see the nature in 10 years but skyscrapers.
Ping Che is a Hakka village for hundred years but their traditional culture is now on the decline. Our aim for this project is mainly to educate the participants on the culture and history of Hakka in Hong Kong, as well as to enable them to appreciate the natural beauty of Ping Che environment. Among the 480 items of intangible cultural heritage in the newly released list of intangible cultural heritage by Hong Kong, eleven of them are pertaining to Hakka culture including Hakka folk songs, funeral laments, wedding laments, and lantern band embroidery technique.
Project start: 18/08/2017 Project end 28/08/2017
Europe
France
Concordia is a national non-governmental and non-profit organisation and has been promoting peace and intercultural exchanges through international voluntary service projects since 1950, along with a large number of partners around the world. Concordia’s voluntary projects in France are short term (International Workcamps) and mid/long term (EVS, Service Civique) – and no two projects are the same! Helping out on one of our projects can mean protecting the environment, restoring a classified monument, promoting cultural or traditional heritage, plan activities for a youth community centre, supporting a local charity, etc.
Project – Moirax
Moirax is one of the most beautiful village in the Agen city region, for its amazing natural landscapes and its beautiful built heritage. The village strives to preserve its natural and rural lands while promoting tourism, helped by the presence of a remarkable historical monument: the Cluny Priory. Major restoration work were undertaken in the 1950s to save the monument while respecting the original architecture. But the fragile walls are still degrading. The project for this summer will be to consolidate and rebuild these walls. This year Moirax will host participants from other workcamps on the 21st of July to work together on the walls and share the day all together!
Volunteers will start the restoration of the walls surrounding the borough. They will reinforce the damaged parts using traditional masonry techniques and rebuild the destroyed parts to allow the preservation of the heritage and to perpetuate the history of the village. Last year volunteers work with several locals that want to renew the experience this year!
Project start: 05/07/2017 Project end: 26/07/2017
France
SJ was the French branch of the international movement – Action Jeunesses pour la Paix (AJP) until 2009. The movement was founded in 1923 after the First World War by Etienne Bach. The association takes its present form in 1956 and continues its work based on the need to go beyond national, confessional and cultural boundaries and work for a concrete construction of peace.
SJ today, as part of this movement, make sure that young people and adults gather together around projects and practices of social commitment. Our hope, the choices of actions and projects that we lead together, alone determine our dynamics and our practice of movement
Project – TRACING THE STEPS OF THE DUKE OF LESDIGUIERES
At the foot of the Massif du Dévoluy, in the Hautes-Alpes, stand the remains of the castle of Lesdiguières, located at the entrance of a hamlet of the same name, in the district of Glaizil. This castle was built in the 16th century by François de Bonne, the future duke of Lesdiguières and the last constable of France. Today, only the ruins of the old chapel, the towers, and broken down sections of the walls can be found at the site of this once-grand castle, ranked as a French national historic monument. The general council of the site’s owners and the association of Lesdiguières, have decided to preserve this piece of local history, and to bring it back to life. It is with this goal in mind that, since 2010, a dynamic partnership has formed with the association “Les Villages des Jeunes” to organize an international youth workcamp each year. Following a 2012 report stating that the 17th century left a serious and unknown mark on the Dauphiné, many academics and conservatives decided to name 2017 the « year of Lesdiguières ». In fact, the 400 year celebration of Duke’s second marriage will call for a number of activities, organized by different community players (the general council, the tourism office, etc.)
Project start: 19/07/2017 Project end: 08/08/2017
France
Rempart union was created in 1966. It has more than 170 local associations that preserve and promote heritage throughout France. These associations are working on a very wide range of historical sites (chapel, castles, houses, but also lime kilns or wash houses). Many of them organize volunteer workcamps and welcome more than 3,000 French and foreign volunteers each year.
Rempart associations do not only preserve and restore sites: they reuse and redevelop them to contribute to the local development. This way, a ruin may become a live venue, and a rural house a gate. To sensitize the general public to the heritage is important for REMPART and its associations. That is why they organize heritage classes, or publish heritage and technical books. The actions of REMPART and its associations are generally supported by partners such as the Ministries of Culture, Youth, Environment or Social Affairs, as well as by local authorities.
Project – Château de Calmont d’Olt
The Château de Calmont d’Olt is a castle situated on the top of the Lot valley and overlooks the town of Espalion, southern France.
With its amazing panoramic view and its registration as historical monument in 1992, the site is well-known and welcomes many visitors who can participate to activities and visits.
The workcamp is meant to maintain the restoration of the site but also to implement many workshops such as masonry and stone-cutting. The work of volunteers each summer has improved the condition of the site and has allowed the implementation of many projects.
Project start: 28/08/2017 Project end: 10/09/2017
France
Etudes et Chantier‘s history of “construction pedagogy” begins at the end of World War I when a Swiss brings war-torn people together to rebuild a symbolic city: Verdun. A collective of Swiss, French, Germans and Belgians decide together to rebuild Verdun in order to rebuild Peace. Etudes et Chantiers implements projects that are part of a specific pedagogical approach and are implemented in a local dynamic of development and involvement of the inhabitants together with the volunteers.
Project – Bonnelles Natural Reserve
Inside the Natural Park of Chevreuse Valley, volunteers will help a local association to keep the natural reserve of Bonnelles (ideal for birds and dragonfly). Participants will live with the other volunteers and participate to work and everyday life activities. Volunteers will live a great adventure in the heart of this remarkable environment. The workcamp will mainly consist in the maintenance of the reed and cutting willows, to preserve the wetland but also continuing the work done in previous years, by braiding wood on the various trails to keep them in good state.
Project start 26/08/2017 Project end: 08/09/2017
Service Civil International – Hellas (SCI-Hellas)
Greece
SCI is an international peace movement which has existed since 1920 and promotes peace and international cooperation through international voluntary short-term projects (workcamps), medium and long-term programs, training and seminars, campaigns, etc., working with organizations and groups that promote such ideas. SCI-Hellas is the Greek part of SCI called “Movement Volunteer SCI Hellas”, and operated continuously since 1983. The SCI promotes informal intercultural education and peace education, organizes international voluntary projects small (workcamps) or long term (long term volunteering), and helps to send volunteers from Greece in similar programs around the world. The SCI is always inspired by the vision of its founders: a world of peace, social justice and sustainable development, in mutual respect environment without any reason recourse to any form of violence for dispute management.
Project -Heritage and Media Traveling
Methodology: in site research of local people and visitors in and near UNESCO Heritage List Monuments in Greece. Aim: to demonstrate the impact of the presence of a UNESCO Heritage List Monument to the development of awareness of the Global Cultural consciousness. Groups of local people and visitors will perform interviews with closed questionnaires and oral interviews.
Schedule: three days preparation of the traveling workcamp. Three days interviews around Acropolis of Athens. Groups of 4 volunteers for three days (five days including traveling days) at the monuments of Mystras, Hosios Loukas and Mycenae. On the three last days of the workcamp all the volunteers will meet again in order to conclude on the outcomes of the research and to edit the video.
Project start: 18/09/2017 Project end: 30/09/2017
LegambienteItaly
Legambiente is a non-profit association born in 1980. The mission of the association is to make the environmental culture the centre of a new kind of development and diffused well-being. Important values for the association are the improvement of environmental quality, the fight against all forms of pollution, a wise use of natural resources, the construction of a more balanced relationship between human beings and the nature. Legambiente aims to spread those values since it could be an effective way to respond to the challenges of our time: the modernization of the economy, the commitment to beat unemployment, the struggle for peace and against all forms of discrimination and social injustice, the effort to consider globalization not only as a mere trading of goods but also as a means to improve quality of life and to give rights to billions of men and women forced to live in poverty.
Project – We love the nature in Roscigno
Monte Pruno is situated 2 km far from village of Roscigno, in the heart of Cilento. It is called “balcony Alburni”, because overlooks the only path which makes communication possible between the Diano valley and archeological area; its location makes it suitable for a stable settlement in the course of the centuries. Other areas to visit are the Certosa di Padula, the gorges of Calore in Felitto, Castelcivita caves.
The “WE LOVE NATURE” workcamp has been thought by a group of local young, with good will and a great love for their territory and has the aim to involve partners, volunteers and local community for a correct use of Archeological Site of Monte Pruno. First archeological discoveries date from the 20s, when during some agricultural works, many jewels were found. In the 80s Salerno’s Archaeological Authority started a systematic program of exploration and scientific investigation that lasts also now in collaboration with the Federico II Univeristy of Naples.
Project start: 28/08/2017 Project end: 10/09/2017
Youth Action for Peace Italy (YAP)
Italy
YAP Italy has been active since 1971 and has been working in cooperation with other international organizations and local partners active in the volunteering service. With the common aim to develop and promote peace, solidarity, knowledge, cooperation and volunteering through projects based on non-formal education such as work camps and more. YAP Italy is also member of CCIVS-UNESCO and of ALLIANCE of European Voluntary Service Organisations.
Project – Make It Blue
The work camp is organized by YAP in cooperation with ACARBIO (Association Costiera Amalfitana Riserva Biosfera) and the local municipality of Minori. ACARBIO is an NGO engaged in the candidature of the Amalfi Coast as Biosphere Reserve within the MABUNESCO programme. ACARBIO’s activities focus on the conservation and safeguarding of the natural and historical-cultural heritage of the Amalfi Coast, by promoting all kinds of sustainable development. Projects involve the environment, biodiversity, tourism, local tradition, mobility and green energy. Among the many activities of the organisation, international workcamps are becoming more and more important. In the past 2 years YAP organized 12 workcamps with ACARBIO, about cleaning of green areas, the beach, workshops for kids on recycling and upcycling, building of natural houses, etc. These projects were organized under the name of Make it Green and Make it Blue.
As ACARBIO has worked these years promoting a more sustainable approach towards Mother Nature, this project represents an opportunity to raise awareness about environmental protection at a local level, and at the same time promoting volunteering, international cooperation and the involvement of local youth.
Project start: 23/07/2017 Project end: 06/08/2017
Center for Intercultural Dialogue (CID)
Macedonia
CID is a civil society organization working to promote intercultural acceptance and active citizenship through capacity building processes, education and youth work. Its mission is to ensure sustainable community development by creating opportunities for quality engagement of civil society, advancing learning opportunities, and active involvement of young people and other citizens. CID develops its activity on local, national, regional and international levels. We run a fully functional youth center in Kumanovo, and we offer support to the local volunteers in developing and implementing their own projects. Our pool of trainers delivers high quality training and consultancy both on national and international levels.
Project – Kokino
Kokino is a Bronze Age archaeological site in the Republic of Macedonia. It contains a megalithic observatory and sacred site.
The aim of this workcamp will be to make this area more suitable and pleasant for the mountaineers, nature lovers and admires of natural heritage in order to provide them chance to explore better the country and to make the road to one of the world’s oldest observatories more approachable and pleasant to walk on. Volunteers will be working on flattening of the surfaces/the road, restaurating and marking of the road, the walking and the bicycle paths, making benches and improvized showers.
Project start: 09/10/2017 Project end 18/10/2017
Service Civil International Catalunya (SCI CAT)
Spain
SCI CAT was founded in 1982 and represents one of the 40 branches which form the network of Service Civil International. SCI CAT uses tools such as voluntary workcamps, medium or long term international volunteering (LTV) projects and training and awareness activities. SCI Catalunya works in partnership with different local voluntary groups and takes part in diverse social movements and campaigns.
Project – Archeology and History: Between Old and New!
This workcamp will be based on an archeological site on the island of Mallorca. Volunteers will be responsible for its cleaning, preserving and accessibility. They will also play a very important role on connecting the local population with cultural heritage, since the residents are increasingly heterogeneous and unaware of their own surroundings. Volunteers will really have the chance of becoming familiar with the island’s social and cultural reality.
The tasks of the volunteers will be paving and cleaning materials accumulated over the archaeological remains. Making it accessible for visitors is also very important, so volunteers will move rocks and cut bushes to open paths and facilitate access. The field is part of a larger project for the enhancement of the historical heritage of the town and continues to be held under the supervision of an archaeologist. Volunteers will understand how this archaeological heritage is used as a way to consolidate the local community. The local organization will take volunteers on some tours for them to discuss these issues that will be worked on every day in the field.
Project start: 01/10/2017 Project end 14/10/2017
Volunteer P.A.T.H 